Údarás na Gaeltachta have launched ‘Nua na Mara’ a marine innovation centre that will be based in gteic@Carna in Conamara, Co. Galway. The centre aims to provide specialist training and business development supports functioning as a ‘champion’ for marine product commercialisation and will bridge the gap in linking innovation, application, concepts, and commercialisation.

Alongside GMIT and NUI Galway, Nua na Mara will collaborate to provide world class research, testing and enterprise development facilities for the marine sector. Some of the supports and development opportunities will be implemented by BIM, the Marine Institute, the ETBs, Skillsnet and other regional stakeholders. Nua na Mara will also build on the existing strong relationship and MOU that Údarás na Gaeltachta has with Enterprise Ireland.

Delivery of events, courses and programmes are currently being looked at and will commence in 2022.

Several stakeholders including Údarás na Gaeltachta secured a total of €2m funding in 2018 through Enterprise Ireland via the Rural Development Fund (REDF). This resulted in the establishment of Nua na Mara which is linked to the Páirc na Mara project which will have 1,800sq. metres of incubation and enterprise space for marine based enterprises.

Speaking of the launch Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta commented:

“The Marine Innovation Development Centre, Nua na Mara, which has been established by Údarás na Gaeltachta, will support the marine industry in the Iorras Aithneach area and on the west coast of Ireland.  Expertise and business supports will be made available to innovation companies wishing to progress marine matters in the Gaeltacht whilst using the region’s natural resources.  The centre will greatly enhance prospects for the community and businesses in this Gaeltacht area.”

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer with Údarás na Gaeltachta also added:

“We are delighted to establish Nua na Mara to bring the marine sector to another level in terms of commercialisation by facilitating research, testing and enterprise development within the sector whilst also ensuring sustainability.  Despite the delay with the Páirc na Mara initiative, innovative concepts and developments can progress, particularly in light of the recent announcement of the development of a deep water berth at Ros an Mhíl Harbour ensuring that Gaeltacht areas on the west coast are not lagging behind in terms of marine commerce.”

 Cliodhna Ní Ghríofa, Business Development Manager at Nua na Mara spoke of the vision laid out for Nua na Mara:

“Nua na Mara’s vision is to encourage engagement and the sustainable development of early-stage companies, start-ups and researchers to develop their business concepts in the Gaeltacht region, while supporting and encouraging innovation within existing marine enterprise in the region. We can advance and progress the cultivation of a marine enterprise ecosystem with the resources available to us. Drawing from the expertise in research and innovation with our key partners, NUI Galway and GMIT, and utilising the facilities & experience from Údarás na Gaeltachta’s gteic network and wider facilities & funding mechanisms, coupled with the relationships with key stakeholders across the marine sector. There is significant scope to generate economic development and employment in this region”.